Vehicle seat with morphing portions

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seat can be configured to selectively provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. An actuator can be located within the vehicle seat. When activated, the actuator cause a portion of the seat to morph into an activated configuration. The actuator can be activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration. The actuator can include a main body member, a first end member pivotably connected to a first end region of the main body member, and a second end member pivotably connected to a second end region of the main body member. The actuator can include shape memory material connecting members. The actuator can be configured such that, in response to an activation input, the shape memory material connecting members contract, causing the first and second end members pivot, which causes the actuator to morph into an activated configuration.

FIELD

The subject matter herein relates in general to vehicles and, moreparticularly, to vehicle seats.

BACKGROUND

While a vehicle is in use, there are various forces that act upon thevehicle and its occupants. For instance, when the vehicle turns right orleft, particularly at relatively high speeds, lateral acceleration maymake a vehicle occupant feel like he or she is being pushed sideways inthe opposite direction of the turn. A deep seat and stiff bolster andseat cushion can help reduce these effects.

SUMMARY

In one respect, the subject matter described herein is directed to anactuator. The actuator can include a main body member. The main bodymember can have a first end region and a second end region. The actuatorcan include a first end member pivotably connected to the first endregion of the main body member. The actuator can include a first shapememory material connecting member that connects the first end member tothe main body member. The actuator can further includes a second endmember. The second end member can be pivotably connected to the secondend region of the main body member. The actuator can also include asecond shape memory material connecting member that connects the secondend member to the main body member. The actuator can have a firstdimension and a second dimension. The first dimension can besubstantially perpendicular to the second dimension. The first dimensionis be in a direction that extends through the first end member and thesecond end member. The actuator can be configured such that, when anactivation input is provided to the first and second shape memorymaterial connecting members, the first and second shape memory materialconnecting members contract. As a result, the first and second endmembers pivot, which, in turn, causes the actuator to morph into anactivated configuration in which the second dimension increases.

In one respect, the subject matter described herein is directed to avehicle seat system. The system can include a vehicle seat. The systemcan include one or more actuators located within the vehicle seat. Theone or more actuators can be operatively positioned such that, whenactivated, the one or more actuators cause a portion of the seat tomorph into an activated configuration. The actuator(s) can include amain body member. The main body member can have a first end region and asecond end region. The actuator(s) can include a first end memberpivotably connected to the first end region of the main body member. Theactuator(s) can include a first shape memory material connecting memberthat connects the first end member to the main body member. Theactuator(s) can further includes a second end member. The second endmember can be pivotably connected to the second end region of the mainbody member. The actuator(s) can also include a second shape memorymaterial connecting member that connects the second end member to themain body member. The actuator(s) can have a first dimension and asecond dimension. The first dimension can be substantially perpendicularto the second dimension. The first dimension is be in a direction thatextends through the first end member and the second end member. Theactuator(s) can be configured such that, when an activation input isprovided to the first and second shape memory material connectingmembers, the first and second shape memory material connecting memberscontract. As a result, the first and second end members pivot, which, inturn, causes the actuator(s) to morph into an activated configuration inwhich the second dimension increases.

In another respect, the subject matter described herein is directed to amethod of morphing a portion of a vehicle seat. One or more actuatorscan be located within the vehicle seat. The one or more actuators can beoperatively positioned such that, when activated, the one or moreactuators cause a portion of the seat to morph into an activatedconfiguration. The actuator(s) can include a main body member. The mainbody member can have a first end region and a second end region. Theactuator(s) can include a first end member pivotably connected to thefirst end region of the main body member. The actuator(s) can include afirst shape memory material connecting member that connects the firstend member to the main body member. The actuator(s) can further includesa second end member. The second end member can be pivotably connected tothe second end region of the main body member. The actuator(s) can alsoinclude a second shape memory material connecting member that connectsthe second end member to the main body member. The actuator(s) can havea first dimension and a second dimension. The first dimension can besubstantially perpendicular to the second dimension. The first dimensionis be in a direction that extends through the first end member and thesecond end member. The actuator(s) can be configured such that, when anactivation input is provided to the first and second shape memorymaterial connecting members, the first and second shape memory materialconnecting members contract. As a result, the first and second endmembers pivot, which, in turn, causes the actuator(s) to morph into anactivated configuration in which the second dimension increases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a vehicle.

FIG. 2A depicts an example of an actuator, showing a non-activatedconfiguration.

FIG. 2B depicts an example of the actuator, showing an activatedconfiguration.

FIG. 3A depicts an example of an actuator, showing a non-activatedconfiguration.

FIG. 3B depicts an example of the actuator, showing an activatedconfiguration.

FIG. 4A is an example of a portion of a vehicle seat, showing a bolsterin a non-activated configuration.

FIG. 4B is an example of the portion of the vehicle seat, showing thebolster in an activated configuration.

FIG. 5 is an example of a method of selectively morphing a portion of avehicle seat.

FIG. 6A shows an example of an occupant in a vehicle seat when the seatactuators are in a non-activated configuration.

FIG. 6B shows an example of the occupant in the vehicle seat when theseat actuators are in the activated configuration.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end member of theactuator, viewed along line 7-7 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end member of theactuator, viewed along line 7-7 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 8 is a view of a portion of the end member of the actuator, viewedalong line 8-8 of FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While deep seats and stiff bolsters and seat cushions can help reducethe effects of lateral acceleration, such features may add to discomfortof a passenger during normal driving conditions in which larger lateralacceleration forces are not experienced by vehicle occupants.Accordingly, arrangements described here are directed to vehicle seatsconfigured to selectively provide lateral support to a vehicle occupantin conditions when higher lateral acceleration is experienced. To thatend, one or more seat actuators located within the vehicle seat. The oneor more actuators can be operatively positioned such that, whenactivated, the one or more actuators cause a portion of the seat tomorph into an activated configuration.

The one or more actuators can be any suitable type of actuator. Forinstance, the one or more actuators can include a main body member witha first end member and a second end member. The first and second endmembers can be pivotably connected on opposite end regions of the mainbody member. The actuator can include shape memory material connectingmembers, which can be, for example, shape memory alloy. The actuator canbe configured such that, in response to an activation input (e.g.,heat), the shape memory material connecting members contract, causingthe first and second end members pivot, which causes the actuator tomorph into an activated configuration.

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as examples.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of possible implementations. Various embodiments are shownin FIGS. 1-8, but the embodiments are not limited to the illustratedstructure or application.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portion of a vehicle 100 is shown. As usedherein, “vehicle” means any form of motorized transport. In one or moreimplementations, the vehicle 100 can be an automobile. Whilearrangements will be described herein with respect to automobiles, itwill be understood that embodiments are not limited to automobiles. Insome implementations, the vehicle may be a watercraft, an aircraft orany other form of motorized transport.

The vehicle 100 can have an autonomous operational mode and/or asemi-autonomous operational mode. For instance, the vehicle 100 can havean autonomous operational mode in which or more computing systems areused to navigate and/or maneuver the vehicle along a travel route withno input or supervision required from a human driver. The vehicle 100can have one or more semi-autonomous operational modes in which aportion of the navigation and/or maneuvering of the vehicle along atravel route is performed by one or more computing systems, and aportion of the navigation and/or maneuvering of the vehicle along atravel route is performed by a human driver. The vehicle 100 can have amanual operational mode in which all of or a majority of the navigationand/or maneuvering of the vehicle is performed by a human driver. In oneor more arrangements, the vehicle 100 can be a conventional vehicle thatis configured to operate in only a manual mode.

The vehicle 100 can include various elements. Some of the possibleelements of the vehicle 100 are shown in FIG. 1 and will now bedescribed. It will be understood that it is not necessary for thevehicle 100 to have all of the elements shown in FIG. 1 or describedherein. The vehicle 100 can have any combination of the various elementsshown in FIG. 1. Further, the vehicle 100 can have additional elementsto those shown in FIG. 1. In some arrangements, the vehicle 100 may notinclude one or more of the elements shown in FIG. 1. Further, while thevarious elements may be shown as being located on or within the vehicle100 in FIG. 1, it will be understood that one or more of these elementscan be located external to the vehicle 100. Thus, such elements are notlocated on, within, or otherwise carried by the vehicle 100. Further,the elements shown may be physically separated by large distances.Indeed, one or more of the elements can be located remote from thevehicle 100.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more processors 110, one or more datastores 120, one or more sensors 130, one or more power sources 140, oneor more input interfaces 150, one or more output interfaces 160, one ormore seats 170, one or more seat actuators 180, and one or more seatactuator control modules 190. Each of these elements will be describedin turn below.

As noted above, the vehicle 100 can include one or more processors 110.“Processor” means any component or group of components that areconfigured to execute any of the processes described herein or any formof instructions to carry out such processes or cause such processes tobe performed. The processor(s) 110 may be implemented with one or moregeneral-purpose and/or one or more special-purpose processors. Examplesof suitable processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSPprocessors, and other circuitry that can execute software. Furtherexamples of suitable processors include, but are not limited to, acentral processing unit (CPU), an array processor, a vector processor, adigital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA),a programmable logic array (PLA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), programmable logic circuitry, and a controller. Theprocessor(s) 110 can include at least one hardware circuit (e.g., anintegrated circuit) configured to carry out instructions contained inprogram code. In arrangements in which there is a plurality ofprocessors 110, such processors can work independently from each otheror one or more processors can work in combination with each other. Inone or more arrangements, one or more processors 110 can be a mainprocessor(s) of the vehicle 100. For instance, one or more processors110 can be electronic control unit(s) (ECU).

The vehicle 100 can include one or more data stores 120 for storing oneor more types of data. The data store(s) 120 can include volatile and/ornon-volatile memory. Examples of suitable data stores 120 include RAM(Random Access Memory), flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM(Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory),registers, magnetic disks, optical disks, hard drives, or any othersuitable storage medium, or any combination thereof. The data store(s)120 can be a component of the processor(s) 110, or the data store(s) 120can be operatively connected to the processor(s) 110 for use thereby.The term “operatively connected,” as used throughout this description,can include direct or indirect connections, including connectionswithout direct physical contact.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more sensors 130. “Sensor” means anydevice, component and/or system that can detect, determine, assess,monitor, measure, quantify, acquire, and/or sense something. The one ormore sensors can detect, determine, assess, monitor, measure, quantify,acquire, and/or sense in real-time. As used herein, the term “real-time”means a level of processing responsiveness that a user or system sensesas sufficiently immediate for a particular process or determination tobe made, or that enables the processor to keep up with some externalprocess.

In arrangements in which the vehicle 100 includes a plurality of sensors130, the sensors can work independently from each other. Alternatively,two or more of the sensors can work in combination with each other. Insuch case, the two or more sensors can form a sensor network. Thesensor(s) 130 can be operatively connected to the processor(s) 110, thedata store(s) 120, and/or other elements of the vehicle 100 (includingany of the elements shown in FIG. 1).

The sensor(s) 130 can include any suitable type of sensor. Variousexamples of different types of sensors will be described herein.However, it will be understood that the embodiments are not limited tothe particular sensors described.

The sensor(s) 130 can include one or more vehicle sensors 131. Thevehicle sensor(s) 131 can detect, determine, assess, monitor, measure,quantify and/or sense information about the vehicle 100 itself (e.g.,position, orientation, speed, etc.). In one or more arrangements, thevehicle sensors 131 can include one or more vehicle speed sensors 132,one or more steering angle sensors 133, and/or one or moreaccelerometers 134. The vehicle speed sensors 132 can be any sensorconfigured to detect, determine, assess, monitor, measure, quantifyand/or sense the speed of a vehicle, now known or later developed. Thesteering angle sensors 133, can be any sensor configured to detect,determine, assess, monitor, measure, quantify and/or sense the steeringwheel position angle and/or rate of turn, now known or later developed.The accelerometers 134 can include any sensor, now know or laterdeveloped, configured to detect, determine, assess, monitor, measure,quantify and/or sense any information or data about acceleration forcesexperience by a vehicle or occupants of the vehicle, including lateralacceleration forces.

The sensor(s) 130 can include one or more environment sensors configuredto detect, determine, assess, monitor, measure, quantify, acquire,and/or sense driving environment data. “Driving environment data”includes and data or information about the external environment in whicha vehicle is located or one or more portions thereof. In one or morearrangements, the environment sensors can include one or more cameras,one or more radar sensors, one or more lidar sensors, one or more sonarsensors, and/or one or more ranging sensors.

As noted above, the vehicle 100 can include one or more power sources140. The power source(s) 140 can be any power source capable of and/orconfigured to energize the seat actuator(s) 180. For example, the powersource(s) 140 can include one or more batteries, one or more fuel cells,one or more generators, one or more alternators, one or more solarcells, and combinations thereof.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more input interfaces 150. An “inputinterface” includes any device, component, system, element orarrangement or groups thereof that enable information/data to be enteredinto a machine. The input interface(s) 150 can receive an input from avehicle occupant (e.g. a driver or a passenger). Any suitable inputinterface 150 can be used, including, for example, a keypad, display,touch screen, multi-touch screen, button, joystick, mouse, trackball,microphone and/or combinations thereof.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more output interfaces 160. An“output interface” includes any device, component, system, element orarrangement or groups thereof that enable information/data to bepresented to a vehicle occupant (e.g. a person, a vehicle occupant,etc.). The output interface(s) 160 can present information/data to avehicle occupant. The output interface(s) 160 can include a display.Alternatively or in addition, the output interface(s) 160 may include anearphone and/or speaker. Some components of the vehicle 100 may serve asboth a component of the input interface(s) 150 and a component of theoutput interface(s) 160.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more seats 170. The seat(s) 170 canbe for any vehicle occupants, such for a driver or for a passenger. Theseat(s) 170 can be any type of vehicle seat, now known or laterdeveloped. The one or more seats 170 can have any suitableconfiguration. For instance, the one or more seats 170 can include aback portion 172 and a cushion portion 174. The back portion 172 and/orthe cushion portion 174 can include bolsters 173, 175, respectively.

In one or more arrangements, one or more portions of the seat(s) 170 canbe configured to counteract lateral acceleration forces experienced by avehicle occupant. To that end, the vehicle 100 can include one or moreseat actuators 180. The seat actuator(s) 180 can be operativelyconnected to one or more of the seats 170. In one or more arrangements,the seat actuator(s) 180 can be located within a portion of the seat170. For instance, the seat actuators(s) 180 can be located within theback portion 172 of the seat(s) 170 and/or within the cushion portion174 of the seat(s) 170. More particularly, the seat actuator(s) 180 canbe located within a bolster of the back portion 172 and/or a bolster ofthe cushion portion 174.

The seat actuator(s) 180 can be operatively positioned relative to oneor more surfaces or portions of the seat(s) 170. The one or moresurfaces can be a surface of the back portion 172, the cushion portion174, a bolster of the back portion 172, a bolster of the cushion portion174, and/or a headrest. When actuated, the seat actuator(s) 180 cancause the surfaces or portions of the seat 170 to morph into a differentconfiguration.

The seat actuators 180 can be any element or combination of elementsoperable to modify, adjust and/or alter one or more surfaces or portionsof the vehicle seat(s) 170. The seat actuators 180 may activateresponsive to receiving signals or other inputs from the processor(s)110 and/or the seat actuator control module(s) 190. The processor(s) 110and/or the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can be operativelyconnected to the seat actuators 180. In FIG. 1, the seat actuator(s) 180are generally represented by a rectangular feature. It will beunderstood that any suitable actuator can be used. The seat actuator(s)180 will be described in greater detail below in connection with FIGS.2-3.

It should be noted that the seat actuator(s) 180 can be operativelypositioned so that portions of the vehicle seat 170 can be morphed in aplurality of directions. Thus, one or more seat actuators 180 can beconfigured to morph a first portion of the seat in a first direction,and one or more actuators 180 can be configured to morph a secondportion of the seat 170 in a second direction. In some instances, thefirst portion and the second portion can be the same. In otherinstances, the first portion and the second portion can be different.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more modules, at least some of whichwill be described herein. The modules can be implemented as computerreadable program code that, when executed by a processor, implement oneor more of the various processes described herein. One or more of themodules can be a component of the processor(s) 110, or one or more ofthe modules can be executed on and/or distributed among other processingsystems to which the processor(s) 110 is operatively connected. Themodules can include instructions (e.g., program logic) executable by oneor more processor(s) 110. Alternatively or in addition, one or more datastores 120 may contain such instructions.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more modules. In one or morearrangements, the modules described herein can include artificial orcomputational intelligence elements, e.g., neural network, fuzzy logicor other machine learning algorithms. Further, in one or morearrangements, the modules can be distributed among a plurality ofmodules. In one or more arrangements, two or more of the modulesdescribed herein can be combined into a single module.

The vehicle 100 can include one or more seat actuator control modules190. The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can include profiles andlogic for actively controlling the seat actuator(s) 180 according toarrangements herein. The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured to determine when the seat actuator(s) 180 should beactivated or deactivated. The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured to do so in any suitable manner. For instance, the seatactuator control module(s) 190 can be configured to analyze data orinformation acquired by the sensor(s) 130 (e.g., the vehicle speedsensor(s) 132, the steering angle sensor(s) 133, and/or theaccelerometers 134). Alternatively or additionally, the seat actuatorcontrol module(s) 190 can be configured to detect user inputs (e.g.,commands) provided on the input interface(s) 150. The seat actuatorcontrol module(s) 190 can retrieve raw data from the sensor(s) 130and/or from the data store(s) 120. The seat actuator control module(s)190 can use profiles, parameters, or setting loaded into the seatactuator control module(s) 190 and/or stored in the data store(s) 120.

The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can analyze the sensor data todetermine an appropriate action for the seat(s) 170. The seat actuatorcontrol module(s) 190 can be configured to cause one or more actuators180 to be activated or deactivated. As used herein, “cause” or “causing”means to make, force, compel, direct, command, instruct, and/or enablean event or action to occur or at least be in a state where such eventor action may occur, either in a direct or indirect manner. Forinstance, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can selectively permitor prevent the flow of electrical energy from the power source(s) 140 tothe seat actuator(s) 180. The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured send control signals or commands over a communication network195 to the seat actuator(s) 180.

The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can be configured to cause theseat actuator(s) 180 to be selectively activated or deactivated based onone or more activation parameters. For instance, the seat actuatorcontrol module(s) 190 can be configured to compare one or more detectedactivation characteristics to one or more activation thresholds. If thethreshold is met, then the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can causethe seat actuator(s) 180 to be activated or maintained in an activatedcondition. If the threshold is not met, then the seat actuator controlmodule(s) 190 can cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to be deactivated ormaintained in a deactivated or non-activated state.

For instance, there can be a vehicle speed threshold. In one or morearrangements, the vehicle speed threshold can be about 30 miles per hour(mph), 35 mph, 40 mph, 45 mph, 50 mph, 55 mph, 60 mph, 65 mph, 70 mph,or even greater, just to name a few possibilities. If a detected vehiclespeed is above the vehicle speed threshold, the seat actuator controlmodule(s) 190 can be configured to cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to beactivated or maintained in an activated state. If a detected vehiclespeed is below the vehicle speed threshold, the seat actuator controlmodule(s) 190 can be configured to cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to bedeactivated or maintained in a deactivated state.

As another example, there can be a steering angle threshold. In one ormore arrangements, the steering angle threshold can be about 20 degrees,about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees,about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees,about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees,about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees, just to name a few possibilities.If a detected steering angle is above the steering angle threshold, theseat actuator control module(s) 190 can be configured to cause the seatactuator(s) 180 to be activated or maintained in an activated state. Ifa detected steering angle is below the vehicle speed threshold, the seatactuator control module(s) 190 can be configured to cause the seatactuator(s) 180 to be deactivated or maintained in a deactivated state.

In one or more arrangements, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 canbe configured to cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to be selectivelyactivated or deactivated based on both a vehicle sped threshold and asteering angle threshold. Thus, if a detected vehicle speed is above thevehicle speed threshold and if a detected steering angle is above thesteering angle threshold, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured to cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to be activated ormaintained in an activated state. If a detected vehicle speed is belowthe vehicle speed threshold and/or if a detected steering angle is belowthe steering angle threshold, the seat actuator control module(s) 190can be configured to cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to be deactivated ormaintained in a deactivated state.

As another example, there can be an acceleration threshold, such as alateral acceleration threshold. Thus, if a detected or determinedlateral acceleration of the vehicle is above the lateral accelerationthreshold, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can be configured tocause the seat actuator(s) 180 to be activated or maintained in anactivated state. If a detected steering angle is below the lateralacceleration threshold, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured to cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to be deactivated ormaintained in a deactivated state.

In some instances, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured to cause the seat actuator(s) 180 to be selectively activatedor deactivated based on user inputs (e.g., commands). For instance, auser can provide an input on the input interface(s) 150. The input canbe to activate or deactivate the seat actuator(s) 180. The seat actuatorcontrol module(s) 190 can be configured to cause the seat actuator(s)180 to be deactivated or activated in accordance with the user input.

The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can be configured to control aplurality of seats 170. The seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured to control each seat 170 individually. Thus the control ofone seat 170 is independent of the control of the other seats 170.Alternatively, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can be configuredto control the plurality of seat(s) 170 collectively. Thus, each seat170 can be activated or deactivated at substantially the same time, tothe same degree of actuations, and/or in substantially the same manner.

It should be noted that the seat actuator control module(s) 190 can beconfigured to determine the direction is which lateral acceleration willoccur. Thus, if the seat actuator control module(s) 190 determines thatthe direction of lateral acceleration will be to the right, the seatactuator control module(s) 190 can activate the seat actuator(s) 180 onthe opposite side (i.e., left side) of the seat 170. Similarly, if theseat actuator control module(s) 190 determines that the direction oflateral acceleration will be to the left, the seat actuator controlmodule(s) 190 can activate the seat actuator(s) 180 on the opposite(i.e., right) side of the seat 170.

The various elements of the vehicle 100 can be communicatively linked toone another or one or more other elements through one or morecommunication networks 195. As used herein, the term “communicativelylinked” can include direct or indirect connections through acommunication channel, bus, pathway or another component or system. A“communication network” means one or more components designed totransmit and/or receive information from one source to another. The datastore(s) 120 and/or one or more other elements of the vehicle 100 caninclude and/or execute suitable communication software, which enablesthe various elements to communicate with each other through thecommunication network and perform the functions disclosed herein.

The one or more communication networks 195 can be implemented as, orinclude, without limitation, a wide area network (WAN), a local areanetwork (LAN), the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a wirelessnetwork, a mobile network, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), theInternet, a hardwired communication bus, and/or one or more intranets.The communication network further can be implemented as or include oneor more wireless networks, whether short range (e.g., a local wirelessnetwork built using a Bluetooth or one of the IEEE 802 wirelesscommunication protocols, e.g., 802.11a/b/g/i, 802.15, 802.16, 802.20,Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), or WPA2) or long range (e.g., a mobile,cellular, and/or satellite-based wireless network; GSM, TDMA, CDMA,WCDMA networks or the like). The communication network can include wiredcommunication links and/or wireless communication links. Thecommunication network can include any combination of the above networksand/or other types of networks.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a view of one example of the seat actuator 180is shown. The seat actuator 180 can have a main body member 200. Themain body member 200 can have an elongated body. The main body member200 can have a first end region 202. The first end region 202 caninclude a first end 204. The main body member 200 can include a secondend region 206. The second end region can include a second end 208. Themain body member 200 can have a first side 211 and a second side 212.

The main body member 200 can have any suitable overall shape. In theexample shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the main body member 200 can have asubstantially rectangular cross-section shape. The main body member 200can be any suitable shape overall, such as substantially rectangular,substantially oval, substantially circular, or substantially polygonal.The main body member 200 can extend substantially linearly. The mainbody member 200 can be substantially planar.

The main body member 200 can be made of any suitable material. Forexample, the main body member 200 can be made of metal or plastic.

The seat actuator 180 can have a first end member 230 and a second endmember 240. The first end member 230 can be operatively connected to thefirst end region 202 of the main body member 200. More particularly, thefirst end member 230 can be pivotably connected to the first end region202 of the main body member 200, such as by one or more first hingemembers 232. The second end member 240 can be operatively connected tothe second end region 206 of the main body member 200. Moreparticularly, the second end member 240 can be pivotably connected tothe second end region 206 of the main body member 200, such as by one ormore second hinge members 242. The one or more first hinge members 232and the one or more second hinge members 242 can be any type of hinge,now known or later developed.

The one or more first hinge members 232 and the one or more second hingemembers 242 can be configured to allow any suitable range of motion. Forinstance, according to one or more arrangements, the one or more firsthinge members 232 and the one or more second hinge members 242 can bothallow the first end member 230 and the second end member 240 to have apivoting range from 0 to at least about 40 degrees, at least about 45degrees, at least about 50 degrees, at least about 55 degrees, at leastabout 60 degrees, at least about 65 degrees, at least about 70 degrees,at least about 75 degrees, at least about 80 degrees, at least about 85degrees, at least about 90 degrees, just to name a few possibilities. Inone or more arrangements, the actuator 180 can be configured so that thefirst end member 230 and the second end member 240 pivot in the samedirection. For instance, in the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,the first end member 230 and the second end member 240 can both pivot ina counter clockwise direction. The actuator 180 can be configured suchthat the first end member 230 and the second end member 240 pivot towardopposite sides of the main body member 200 when actuated. For example,the first end member 230 can rotate in a counter clockwise directiontoward the second side 212 of the main body member 200, and the secondend member 240 can rotate in a counter clockwise direction toward thefirst side 211 of the main body member 200.

The actuator 180 can have a first direction 201 and a second direction203. The first direction 201 can be substantially perpendicular to thesecond direction 203. The first direction 201 can be a direction thatextends through the first end member 230 and the second end member 240.The first direction 201 can extend substantially parallel to the mainbody member 200. The first and second end members 230, 240 can beconfigured so that, when the actuator 180 is activated, the first andsecond end members 230, 240 cause the overall dimension of the actuator180 in the second direction 203 to increase.

The first and second end members 230, 240 can be substantially identicalto each other. Alternatively, the first and second end members 230, 240can be different from each other in one or more respects. The first andsecond end members 230, 240 can be made of any suitable material, suchas metal or plastic. In one or more arrangements, the first and secondend members 230, 240 can be made of the same material as the main bodymember 200.

One non-limiting example of the first and second end members 230, 240 isshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first and second end members 230, 240 canhave a generally Z-shaped configuration. The first and second endmembers 230, 240 can include a pair of longitudinal members 250. Thepair of longitudinal members 250 can be spaced from each other. The pairof longitudinal members 250 can be substantially parallel to each other.The pair of longitudinal members 250 can be operatively connected by oneor more cross members 260. The longitudinal members 250 and the crossmember(s) 260 can be operatively connected in any suitable manner, suchas by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, one or more welds,one or more forms of mechanical engagement, and/or one or more otherforms of connection.

In one or more arrangements, the longitudinal members 250 can besubstantially parallel to each other. In one or more arrangements, thecross member(s) 260 can be substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal members 250. In other arrangements, the cross member(s) 260can be angled at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal members250. In the non-activated configuration shown in FIG. 2A, thelongitudinal members 250 can be substantially parallel to the main bodymember 200. Further, one of the longitudinal members 250 of the firstand second end members 230, 240 can be substantially aligned with themain body member 200 when in the non-activated configuration.

As noted above, the first and second end members 230, 240 can bepivotably connected to the main body member by one or more first hingemembers 232 and one or more second hinge members 242, respectively. Thefirst hinge member(s) 232 and the second hinge member(s) 242 can beoperatively connected to any suitable portion of the first and secondend members 230, 240. For instances, the first hinge member(s) 232 andthe second hinge member(s) 242 can be operatively connected to the crossmember 260 of the first and second end members 230, 240.

The actuator 180 can include a first shape memory material connectingmember 280 and a second shape memory material connecting member 290.“Shape memory material” is a material that changes shape when anactivation input is provided to the shape memory material and, when theactivation input is discontinued, the material substantially returns toits original shape. Examples of shape memory materials include shapememory alloys (SMA) and shape memory polymers (SMP).

In one or more arrangements, the first shape memory material connectingmember and a second shape memory material connecting member can be shapememory material wires. As an example, the first shape memory materialconnecting member and the second shape memory material connecting membercan be shape memory alloy wires. Thus, when an activation input (i.e.,heat) is provided to the shape memory alloy wires, the wires cancontract. The shape memory alloy wires can be heated in any suitablemanner, now known or later developed. For instance, the shape memoryalloy wires can be heated by the Joule effect by passing electricalcurrent through the wires. In some instances, arrangements can providefor cooling of the shape memory alloy wires, if desired, to facilitatethe return of the wires to a non-activated configuration.

The wires can have any suitable characteristics. For instance, the wirescan be high temperature wires with austenite finish temperatures fromabout 90 degrees Celsius to about 110 degrees Celsius. The wires canhave any suitable diameter. For instance, the wires can be from about0.2 millimeters (mm) to about 0.7 mm, from about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm,or from about 0.375 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters in diameter. Insome arrangements, the wires can have a stiffness of up to about 70gigapascals. The wires can be configured to provide an initial moment offrom about 300 to about 600 N·mm, or greater than about 500 N·mm, wherethe unit of newton millimeter (N·mm) is a unit of torque (also calledmoment) in the SI system. One newton meter is equal to the torqueresulting from a force of one newton applied perpendicularly to the endof a moment arm that is one meter long. In various aspects, the wirescan be configured to transform in phase causing the end members 230, 240to rotate from non-activated position to an activated position in about3 seconds or less, about 2 seconds or less, about 1 second or less, orabout 0.5 second or less.

The wires can be made of any suitable shape memory material, now knownor later developed. Different materials can be used to achieve variousbalances, characteristics, properties, and/or qualities. As an example,an SMA wire can include nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti, or nitinol). One exampleof a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy is FLEXINOL, which is availablefrom Dynaolloy, Inc., Irvine, Calif. As further example, the SMA wirescan be made of Cu—Al—Ni, Fe—Mn—Si, or Cu—Zn—Al.

The SMA wires can be configured to increase or decrease in length uponchanging phase, for example, by being heated to a phase transitiontemperature TSMA. Utilization of the intrinsic property of SMA wires canbe accomplished by using heat, for example, via the passing of anelectric current through the SMA wire in order provide heat generated byelectrical resistance, in order to change a phase or crystal structuretransformation (i.e., twinned martensite, detwinned martensite, andaustentite) resulting in a lengthening or shortening the SMA wire. Insome implementations, during the phase change, the SMA wire canexperience a decrease in length of from about 2 to about 8 percent, orfrom about 3 percent to about 6 percent, and in certain aspects, about3.5 percent, when heated from a temperature less than the TSMA to atemperature greater than the TSMA.

Other active materials may be used in connected with the arrangementsdescribed herein. For example, other shape memory materials may beemployed. Shape memory materials, a class of active materials, alsosometimes referred to as smart materials, include materials orcompositions that have the ability to remember their original shape,which can subsequently be recalled by applying an external stimulus,such as an activation signal.

While the first shape memory material connecting member 280 and a secondshape memory material connecting member 290 are described, in oneimplementation, as being wires, it will be understood that the firstshape memory material connecting member 280 and a second shape memorymaterial connecting member 290 are not limited to being wires. Indeed,it is envisioned that suitable shape memory materials may be employed ina variety of other forms, such as strips, small sheets or slabs,cellular and lattice structures, helical or tubular springs, braidedcables, tubes, or combinations thereof. In some arrangements, the firstshape memory material connecting member 280 and a second shape memorymaterial connecting member 290 may include an insulating coating.

The first shape memory material connecting member 280 can be operativelyconnected to the second end member 240 and to the main body member 200.More particularly, first shape memory material connecting member 280 canbe operatively connected to a longitudinal member 250 of the second endmember 240 and to the first side 211 of the main body member 200. Thesecond shape memory material connecting member 290 can be operativelyconnected to the first end member 230 and to the main body member 200.More particularly, the second shape memory material connecting member290 can be operatively connected to the first end member 230 and to themain body member 200. The first and second shape memory materialconnecting members 280, 290 can be operatively connected to thesestructures in any suitable manner, including by one or more fasteners,one or more adhesives, one or more welds, and/or one or more forms ofmechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities.

In some arrangements, the first and second shape memory materialconnecting members 280, 290 can be directly connected to the main bodymember 200 and to the respective end members 230, 240. In somearrangements, the main body member 200 can include one or more posts255, and the end members 230, 240 can include posts 255. In somearrangements, the one or more posts 255 can allow the first and secondshape memory material connecting members 280, 290 to be spaced from themain body member 200 and the end members 230, 240. Further, theplacement of the one or more posts 255, particularly relative to thepivot point of the end members 230, 240, can affect the torque and/orthe stroke of the actuator 180 overall.

Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, a portion of the end member 240 isshown. It will be understood that this discussion applies equally to theother end members 230, the posts 255 provided on the main body member200, and to the second shape memory material connecting members 290. Insome instances, one or more passages 256 can be defined within the post255, as is shown in FIG. 7A. In other instances, one or more passages256 can be defined by the posts 255 and by the longitudinal member 250,as is shown in FIG. 7B. The passages 256 can be sized, shaped, and/orconfigured to allow passages of the shape memory material connectingmembers.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first shape memory material connecting member280 can extend through one of the passages 256 on a front side of thepost 255. The first shape memory material connecting member 280 can bendback to enter the neighboring passage 256 from the back side of the post255. From there, the shape memory material connecting member 280 canextend to the post 255 on the main body member 200 where a similararrangement can occur. This winding can repeat any number of times. Whenthe first shape memory material connecting member 280 is a single wire,such winding can create a serpentine pattern of the first shape memorymaterial connecting member 280. Of course, in other arrangements, thefirst shape memory material connecting member 280 can be a plurality ofindividual wires, or it can be a single wire that does not wind.

The end of the first shape memory material connecting member 280 can beconnected to any suitable structure (e.g., the post 255, thelongitudinal member 250, etc.) in any suitable manner. In thearrangement shown in FIG. 8, the end of the shape memory materialconnecting member 280 can be connected to the longitudinal member 250 byone or more fasteners 257. While FIG. 8 shows the first shape memorymaterial connecting member 280, it will be understood that thedescription is equally applicable to the second shape memory materialconnecting member 290.

It should be noted that, in some arrangements, the first and secondshape memory material connecting members 280, 290 can be single straightwires. Alternatively, the first and second shape memory materialconnecting members 280, 290 can be single wires arranged in a serpentinemanner (which would span into and out of the page in FIGS. 2A and 2B).Still alternatively, first and second shape memory material connectingmembers 280, 290 can include a plurality of individual straight wires.

Further, in some instances, the actuator 180 can include an outer skinenclosing the above described structures. The outer skin can be flexibleto accommodate different configurations of the actuator 180.

The seat actuator 180 can have a non-activated configuration and anactivated configuration. Each of these configurations will be describedin turn. FIG. 2A shows an example of a non-activated configuration ofthe seat actuator 180. In such case, an activation input is not providedto the first and second shape memory material connecting members 280,290. For instance, when the first and second shape memory materialconnecting members 280, 290 are shape memory material wires, anactivation input (e.g., electrical current) to heat the wires is notprovided. Thus, the first and second shape memory material connectingmembers 280, 290 are in a neutral or non-activated condition. In thenon-activated configuration, the first and second end members 230, 240can be generally aligned with the main body member 200. The actuator 180can have a width in the second direction 203.

FIG. 2B shows an example of an activated mode of the seat actuator 180.In the actuated mode, an activation input can be provided to the firstand second shape memory material connecting members 280, 290. As aresult, the first and second shape memory material connecting members280, 290 can contract. This contraction causes the first shape memorymaterial connecting member 280 to pull the second end member 240 towardthe main body member 200, and it causes the second shape memory materialconnecting member 290 to pull the first end member 230 toward the mainbody member 200. The first hinge member(s) 232 and the second hingemember(s) 242 can facilitate such movement. When the first and secondend members 230, 240 are rotated into their activated position, it willbe appreciated that the overall size of the actuator in the seconddirection 203 increases. As a result, the first and second end members230, 240 can push on portions of the vehicle seat 170 to cause thevehicle seat 170 to morph. It should be noted that the first and secondshape memory material connecting members 280, 290 can be activatedsimultaneously, or they can be activated independently of each other.

It will be appreciated that, when the activation input is discontinued,the first and second shape memory material connecting members 280, 290can substantially returns to a neutral or non-activated configuration,such as shown in FIG. 2A. As a result, the vehicle seat 170 will alsoreturn to its non-activated configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, another example of the seat actuator 180is shown. The seat actuator 180 can include many if not all of the sameelements as the seat actuator 180 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. Thus, the abovedescription of the seat actuator 180 made in connection with FIGS. 2A-2Bapplies equally to the actuator 180 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B.

Further, the seat actuator 180 can include a first membrane 310 and/or asecond membrane 320. The first membrane 310 and the second membrane 320can be made of any suitable materials. For instance, the first membrane310 and the second membrane 320 can be a plastic sheet. The first andsecond membranes 310, 320 can create a larger outer envelope for theactuator 180.

The first membrane 310 can be operatively connected to the first endmember 230 and the second end member 240. More particularly, the firstmembrane 310 can be operatively connected to a longitudinal member 250of the first end member 230 and to a longitudinal member 250 of thesecond end member 240 on the first side 211 of the main body member 200.In one or more arrangements, the first membrane 310 can be pivotablyconnected to the first end member 230 and/or the second end member 240.In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the first membrane 310 can be pivotablyconnected to the second end member 240 by one or more hinge members 350.In some arrangements, the first membrane 310 can also be pivotablyconnected to the first end member 230 by one or more hinge members 355.

The second membrane 320 can be operatively connected to the first endmember 230 and the second end member 240. More particularly, the secondmembrane 320 can be operatively connected to a longitudinal member 250of the first end member 230 and to a longitudinal member 250 of thesecond end member 240 on the second side 212 of the main body member200. In one or more arrangements, the second membrane 320 can bepivotably connected to the first end member 230 and/or the second endmember 240. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the second membrane 320 canbe pivotably connected to the first end member 230 by one or more hingemembers 360. In some arrangements, the second membrane 320 can also bepivotably connected to the second end member 240 by one or more hingemembers 365.

In some instances, the longitudinal members 250 can include post 270 ator near the end of the respective longitudinal member 250. The firstmembrane 310 can be operatively connected to the post 270 of the secondend member 240, and the second membrane 320 can be operatively connectedto the post of the first end member 230. In such cases, the posts 270can help to keep the first membrane 310 and the second membrane 320substantially parallel to the main body member 200 in the non-activatedcondition, as shown in FIG. 3A. The posts can further push the materialof the vehicle seat 170 to facilitate the morphing of a portion of thevehicle seat 170. It should be noted that these posts 270 may also beprovided in the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The seat actuator 180 can have a non-activated configuration and anactivated configuration. Each of these configurations will be describedin turn. FIG. 3A shows an example of a non-activated configuration ofthe seat actuator 180, and FIG. 3B shows an example of the activatedconfiguration of the seat actuator 180. The above discussion of theseconfigurations made in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B applies equallyto the actuator in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In the non-activated configuration, the first and second membranes 310,320 can be substantially parallel to the main body member 200. Theactuator 180 can have a width in the second direction 203.

In the activated configuration, the first and second membranes 310, 320can move with the movement of the first and second end members 230, 240.The hinge members 350, 360 can accommodate such movement. When the firstand second end members 230, 240 are rotated into their activatedposition, it will be appreciated that the overall size of the actuatorin the second direction 203 increases. As a result, the first and secondmembranes 310, 320, in addition to other portions of the actuator 180,can push on portions of the vehicle seat 170 to cause the vehicle seat170 to morph.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, an example of a portion of a vehicle seat isshown. For purposes of this example, the seat actuator(s) 180 will bedescribed in connection with the cushion portion 174 of the vehicle seat170, but it will be understood that this description applies equally tothe seat actuator(s) 180 in connection with the back portion 172 of thevehicle seat 170.

The seat actuator(s) 180 can be operatively positioned within thevehicle seat 170 relative to one or more surfaces or portions of theseat(s) 170. The surfaces can be a surface of the back portion 172, thecushion portion 174, the bolster 173 of the back portion 172, and/or thebolster 175 of the cushion portion 174. When actuated, the seatactuator(s) 180 can cause the surfaces or portions of the seat to morphinto a different configuration. In the arrangements shown herein, itshould be noted that the seat actuator 180 can be a single actuator, asingle stack of a plurality of actuators, a plurality of actuators, aplurality of stacks of actuators, and/or combinations thereof.

FIG. 4A shows an example of the seat actuator(s) 180 in a non-activatedcondition or a deactivated condition. General representations of theseat actuator(s) 180 are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B for purposes ofclarity. In this example, there can be a plurality of actuators 180 inthe bolster 175 on both a first side 177 and a second side 179 of theseat 170. The bolster 175 on the first side 177 can have a non-activatedconfiguration 205, and the bolster 175 on the second side 179 can have anon-activated configuration 210. The non-activated configurations 205,210 can be substantially mirror images of each other.

FIG. 4B shows an example of the seat actuators 180 on the first side 177remaining in the non-activated condition or a deactivated condition;however, the seat actuators 180 on the second side 179 are in anactivated condition. As a result, the bolster 175 on the second side 179can have an activated configuration 220. As shown in FIG. 4B, theoverall size of the bolster 175 on the second side 179 has becomeenlarged overall. It will be appreciated that the bolster 175 in theactivated configuration 220 can provide additional resistance to lateralacceleration of a vehicle occupant in that direction, such as when avehicle is turning.

Now that the various potential systems, devices, elements and/orcomponents of the vehicle 100 have been described, various methods willnow be described. Various possible steps of such methods will now bedescribed. The methods described may be applicable to the arrangementsdescribed above, but it is understood that the methods can be carriedout with other suitable systems and arrangements. Moreover, the methodsmay include other steps that are not shown here, and in fact, themethods are not limited to including every step shown. The blocks thatare illustrated here as part of the methods are not limited to theparticular chronological order. Indeed, some of the blocks may beperformed in a different order than what is shown and/or at least someof the blocks shown can occur simultaneously.

Turning to FIG. 5, an example of a method 500 is shown. For the sake ofdiscussion, the method 500 can begin with the seat actuator(s) 180 in anon-activated mode, such as is shown in FIG. 4A. In the non-activatedmode, electrical energy from the power source(s) 140 is not supplied tothe seat actuator(s) 180. At block 510, it can be determined whether aseat activation condition has been detected. The seat activationcondition may be detected by the seat actuator control module(s) 190,the processor(s) 110, and/or one or more sensor(s) 130. For instance,the seat actuator control module(s) 190, the processor(s) 110, and/orone or more sensor(s) 130 can determine that data acquired by thevehicle sensor(s) 131 meets a seat activation condition. For instance,the seat actuator control module(s) 190, the processor(s) 110, and/orone or more sensor(s) 130 can determine whether the current vehiclespeed and/or the current steering angle meet respective seat activationthreshold. Alternatively or additionally, the seat actuator controlmodule(s) 190, the processor(s) 110, and/or one or more sensor(s) 130can determine whether the current lateral acceleration meets respectiveseat activation threshold. Alternatively or in addition, the seatactuator control module(s) 190, the processor(s) 110, and/or one or moresensor(s) 130 can detect a user input indicating that the interfaceshould be activated. The user input can be provided via the inputinterface(s) 150.

If a seat activation condition is not detected, the method 500 can end,return to block 510, or proceed to some other block. However, if a seatactivation condition is detected, then the method can proceed to block520. At block 520, the seat actuator(s) 180 can be activated. Of course,the seat actuator control module(s) 190 and/or the processor(s) 110 mayonly actuate certain individual seat actuator(s) 180 while leavingothers in a non-activated state. Thus, the seat actuator controlmodule(s) 190 and/or the processor(s) 110 can cause or allow the flow ofelectrical energy from the power sources(s) 140 to the seat actuator(s)180.

When activated, the seat actuator(s) 180 can morph to an activatedshape, such as is shown in FIG. 2B or 3B. The seat actuator(s) 180 caninteract with portions of the vehicle seat 170 to cause a portion of thevehicle seat 170 to morph into an activated configuration, such as isshown in FIG. 4B. The method can continue to block 530.

At block 530, it can be determined whether a seat deactivation conditionhas been detected. The seat deactivation condition may be detected bythe seat actuator control module(s) 190, such as based on data acquiredby the sensor(s) 130 and/or by detecting a user input or the cessationof a user input. If a seat deactivation condition is not detected, themethod 500 can return to block 530, or proceed to some other block.However, if a deactivation condition is detected, then the method canproceed to block 540. At block 540, the seat actuator(s) 180 can bedeactivated. Thus, the seat actuator control module(s) 190 and/or theprocessor(s) 110 can cause the flow of electrical energy from the powersources(s) 140 to the seat actuator(s) 180 to be discontinued.

The method 500 can end. Alternatively, the method 500 can return toblock 510 or some other block.

A non-limiting example of the operation of the arrangements describedherein will now be presented in connection to FIGS. 6A-6B. These figuresshow an occupant 600 in the vehicle seat 170. The vehicle seat 170 caninclude the seat actuators 180, though the seat actuators 180 are notshown in FIGS. 6A-6B. FIG. 6A shows an example of an occupant in avehicle seat when the seat actuators are in a non-activatedconfiguration. As the vehicle makes a right turn, particularly at higherspeeds, lateral acceleration forces 650 can act upon the vehicle and/oroccupant 600. As a result, the occupant 600 may actually be or may feellike he or she is being pushed, moved, and/or forced at least to theleft due to such forces.

Accordingly, the seat actuators 180 on the left side of the vehicle seat170 (such as in the can be activated can be moved to the right towardthe right lateral side 104 of the vehicle 100. FIG. 6B shows an exampleof the occupant in the vehicle seat when the seat actuators are in theactivated configuration. As can be seen the bolster 175 of the cushionportion 174 can become enlarged as a result of the actuation of the seatactuators 180 in such location. Similarly, though not visible in FIG.6B, the bolster 173 of the back portion 172 can become enlarged as aresult of the actuation of the seat actuators 180. The activatedconfiguration for the bolsters 173, 175 can provide lateral support 680to the occupant 600, which can help to reduce the effects experienced bythe occupant 600 due to the lateral acceleration forces 650.

It will be appreciated that arrangements described herein can providenumerous benefits, including one or more of the benefits mentionedherein. For example, arrangements described herein can provide lateralsupport for a vehicle occupant in conditions in which high lateralacceleration forces are experienced by the occupant. Arrangementsdescribed herein can also allow a vehicle seat to be selectivelymorphed. Thus, the vehicle seat can be in a normal configuration in mostdriving conditions and morphed when needed, thereby increasing occupantcomfort. Arrangements described herein can avoid the use of large andcomplicated gears and actuators, thereby enabling more compact designsand packaging. Arrangements described here can provide for moreefficient use of power.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or blockdiagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, whichcomprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occurout of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved.

The systems, components and/or processes described above can be realizedin hardware or a combination of hardware and software and can berealized in a centralized fashion in one processing system or in adistributed fashion where different elements are spread across severalinterconnected processing systems. Any kind of processing system orother apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein issuited. A typical combination of hardware and software can be aprocessing system with computer-usable program code that, when beingloaded and executed, controls the processing system such that it carriesout the methods described herein. The systems, components and/orprocesses also can be embedded in a computer-readable storage, such as acomputer program product or other data programs storage device, readableby a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine to perform methods and processes described herein. Theseelements also can be embedded in an application product which comprisesall the features enabling the implementation of the methods describedherein and, which when loaded in a processing system, is able to carryout these methods.

Furthermore, arrangements described herein may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable mediahaving computer-readable program code embodied or embedded, e.g.,stored, thereon. Any combination of one or more computer-readable mediamay be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readablesignal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The phrase“computer-readable storage medium” means a non-transitory storagemedium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but notlimited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared,or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer-readable storage medium would include thefollowing: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatiledisc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or anysuitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document,a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that cancontain, or store a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations foraspects of the present arrangements may be written in any combination ofone or more programming languages, including an object orientedprogramming language such as Java™, Smalltalk, C++ or the like andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The program codemay execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user'scomputer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user'scomputer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remotecomputer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may beconnected to the user's computer through any type of network, includinga local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or theconnection may be made to an external computer (for example, through theInternet using an Internet Service Provider).

The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or morethan two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least asecond or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein,are defined as comprising (i.e. open language). The phrase “at least oneof . . . and . . . ” as used herein refers to and encompasses any andall possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.As an example, the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” includes A only,B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC or ABC).

As used herein, the term “substantially” or “about” includes exactly theterm it modifies and slight variations therefrom. Thus, the term“substantially parallel” means exactly parallel and slight variationstherefrom. “Slight variations therefrom” can include within 15degrees/percent/units or less, within 14 degrees/percent/units or less,within 13 degrees/percent/units or less, within 12 degrees/percent/unitsor less, within 11 degrees/percent/units or less, within 10degrees/percent/units or less, within 9 degrees/percent/units or less,within 8 degrees/percent/units or less, within 7 degrees/percent/unitsor less, within 6 degrees/percent/units or less, within 5degrees/percent/units or less, within 4 degrees/percent/units or less,within 3 degrees/percent/units or less, within 2 degrees/percent/unitsor less, or within 1 degree/percent/unit or less. In some instances,“substantially” can include being within normal manufacturingtolerances.

Aspects herein can be embodied in other forms without departing from thespirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should bemade to the following claims, rather than to the foregoingspecification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An actuator comprising: a main body member, the main body member having a first end region and a second end region; a first end member pivotably connected to the first end region of the main body member; a first shape memory material connecting member connecting the first end member to the main body member; a second end member pivotably connected to the second end region of the main body member; and a second shape memory material connecting member connecting the second end member to the main body member, the actuator having a first dimension and a second dimension, the first dimension being substantially perpendicular to the second dimension, the first dimension being in a direction that extends through the first end member and the second end member, the actuator being configured such that, when an activation input is provided to the first and second shape memory material connecting members, the first and second shape memory material connecting members contract, causing the first and second end members to pivot, thereby causing the actuator to morph into an activated configuration in which the second dimension increases.
 2. The actuator of claim 1, further including a first membrane, wherein the first membrane is operatively connected to the first end member and the second end member on a first side of the main body member.
 3. The actuator of claim 2, further including a second membrane, wherein the second membrane is operatively connected to the first end member and the second end member on a second side of the main body member, and wherein the first side is opposite the second side.
 4. The actuator of claim 2, wherein the first membrane is operatively connected to the second end member by one or more hinge members.
 5. The actuator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first shape memory material connecting member, and wherein the second shape memory material connecting member is a shape memory alloy wire.
 6. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the actuator is further configured such that, when the activation input to the first and second shape memory material connecting members is discontinued, the first and second shape memory material connecting members substantially returns to a non-activated configuration.
 7. A vehicle seat system comprising: a vehicle seat; and one or more actuators located within the vehicle seat, the one or more actuators being operatively positioned such that, when activated, the one or more actuators cause a portion of the vehicle seat to morph into an activated configuration, the one or more actuators including: a main body member, the main body member having a first end region and a second end region; a first end member pivotably connected to the first end region of the main body member; a first shape memory material connecting member connecting the first end member to the main body member; a second end member pivotably connected to the second end region of the main body member; and a second shape memory material connecting member connecting the second end member to the main body member, the actuator having a first dimension and a second dimension, the first dimension being substantially perpendicular to the second dimension, the first dimension being in a direction that extends through the first end member and the second end member, the actuator being configured such that, when an activation input is provided to the first and second shape memory material connecting members, the first and second shape memory material connecting members contract, causing the first and second end members to pivot, thereby causing the actuator to morph into an activated configuration in which the second dimension increases.
 8. The vehicle seat system of claim 7, wherein the portion of the vehicle seat is a seat cushion or a bolster of a seat cushion.
 9. The vehicle seat system of claim 7, wherein the portion of the vehicle seat is a seat back or a bolster of a seat back.
 10. The vehicle seat system of claim 7, further including: one or more power sources operatively connected to the one or more actuators; and one or more processors operatively connected to control a supply of electrical energy from the one or more power sources to the one or more actuators, wherein the one or more processors are programmed to initiate executable operations comprising: determine, based on the sensor data acquired by one or more sensors, whether a seat actuator activation condition is met; and responsive to determining that the seat actuator activation condition is met, causing electrical energy to be supplied to one or more of the one or more actuators from the one or more power sources, whereby the one or more of the one or more actuators are activated to cause the portion of the vehicle seat to morph into an activated configuration.
 11. The vehicle seat system of claim 10, further including one or more sensors operatively connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to acquire sensor data about vehicle speed or steering wheel angle, and wherein the seat actuator activation condition is a vehicle speed threshold or a steering angle threshold.
 12. The vehicle seat system of claim 10, further including one or more sensors operatively connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to acquire sensor data about lateral acceleration, and wherein the seat actuator activation condition is a lateral acceleration threshold.
 13. The vehicle seat system of claim 7, further including a first membrane and a second membrane, wherein the first membrane is operatively connected to the first end member and the second end member on a first side of the main body member, and wherein the second membrane is operatively connected to the first end member and the second end member on a second side of the main body member, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.
 14. The vehicle seat system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first shape memory material connecting member, and wherein the second shape memory material connecting member is a shape memory alloy wire.
 15. A method of morphing a portion of a vehicle seat, one or more actuators being located within the vehicle seat, the one or more actuators being operatively positioned such that, when activated, the one or more actuators cause a portion of the vehicle seat to morph into an activated configuration, the method comprising: receiving sensor data from one or more sensors on a vehicle; determining, based on the sensor data, whether a seat actuator activation condition is met; and responsive to determining that the seat actuator activation condition is met, causing one or more actuators to be activated to cause a portion of the vehicle seat to morph into an activated configuration, the one or more actuators including: a main body member, the main body member having a first end region and a second end region; a first end member pivotably connected to the first end region of the main body member; a first shape memory material connecting member connecting the first end member to the main body member; a second end member pivotably connected to the second end region of the main body member; and a second shape memory material connecting member connecting the second end member to the main body member, the actuator having a first dimension and a second dimension, the first dimension being substantially perpendicular to the second dimension, the first dimension being in a direction that extends through the first end member and the second end member, the actuator being configured such that, when an activation input is provided to the first and second shape memory material connecting members, the first and second shape memory material connecting members contract, causing the first and second end members to pivot, thereby causing the actuator to morph into an activated configuration in which the second dimension increases.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the portion of the vehicle seat is a seat cushion or a bolster of a seat cushion.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the portion of the vehicle seat is a seat back or a bolster of a seat back.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein determining, based on the sensor data, whether a seat actuator activation condition is met includes: comparing the sensor data to one or more thresholds, wherein the one or more thresholds includes a vehicle speed threshold, a steering angle threshold, or a lateral acceleration threshold; and if the sensor data meets the one or more thresholds, then a seat actuator activation condition is detected.
 19. The method of claim 15, further including a first membrane and a second membrane, wherein the first membrane is operatively connected to the first end member and the second end member on a first side of the main body member, and wherein the second membrane is operatively connected to the first end member and the second end member on a second side of the main body member, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first shape memory material connecting member, and wherein the second shape memory material connecting member is a shape memory alloy wire. 